Buying Across from a school

[Christian M.]

I am looking at a duplex which is located directly across from an Elementary school. Does anyone have any experience with buying near schools and the effect on rental demand/ pricing and resale value?

[Jon Holdman]

I just recently sold a property across the street from a high school. It was a HUGE negative. Despite appraisal considering comps on the same busy street, I think the high school contributed to about a 10-15% reduction in value.

Why? Because there is a lot of traffic a certain times of day. Parking in front of the house is prohibited. You'll have students running around outside of the house before and after school.

Now and elementary school won't be as bad because they're typically much smaller. But you will have some of the traffic issues.

OTOH, it can be somewhat positive because its easy to get the kids to school. But that really only applies to a 6-7 year age range.